Green Library Collective

Public libraries are in most communities in Scotland and are uniquely placed to offer spaces, activities for all ages, digital connectivity and to signpost citizens to provide information to support the green agenda.
Public libraries need to be strategically positioned to contribute to this agenda and using the approach of the Collective Force for Wellbeing (https://scottishlibraries.org/advice-guidance/frameworks/a-collective-force-for-health-wellbeing/) would be a good model to use as it has the buy-in from key partners and Scottish Government. From this various strands could be developed to give citizens and community groups the opportunity to have engagement opportunities with the transition to improve their wellbeing. Already libraries are contributing as part of the Green Libraries Partnership https://www.cilip.org.uk/page/GreenLibraries; developing Lend and Mend libraries to support the circular economy https://scottishlibraries.org/about-us/news/slic-wins-share-of-the-circular-future-fund/. It also forms part of the new public library strategy: https://scottishlibraries.org/media/3462/slic-public-library-strategydigital_final.pdf. Integral to this are our governing body, SLIC and CILIPS or membership organisation.

Why the contribution is important

A strategic approach gives a more holistic view of what is going on and how we can share good practice. Several libraries were Climate Beacons during Cop 26 and many are already looking at how to be warm spaces to support our communities through the the winter months due to the fuel crisis. As neutral, non-judgemental spaces, no-one needs to know what you are attending for and we have an excellent track record of working with partners on a range of different initiatives. As more citizens will be coming in to our buildings for a heat we have a captive audience to engage with and provide much needed signposting and activities.

by Fairlie on August 30, 2022 at 12:39PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.1
Based on: 8 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Tony August 30, 2022 at 15:26

    A good idea in principle but in remote areas access can be difficult due to distance to the nearest library - I know communities that are more than 20 miles from the nearest library.

    Care needs to be taken that this areas are not further disenfranchised by using resources that are not easily accessible.

  • Posted by lisah August 31, 2022 at 13:26

    We also need to recognise that many of our municipal buildings including libraries, whilst beautiful are no longer fit for purpose - some are inaccessible, some have no adequate toilet facilities, some are not flexible enough to enable different groups to engage with the libraries. We need funding to transition libraries and other municipal buildings into warm welcoming spaces truly accessible to all.

  • Posted by SLIC September 01, 2022 at 11:24

    This is a great idea which builds upon existing Scotland wide infrastructure. Public libraries have had a significant investment in the building infrastructure over recent years including the during the pandemic. Facilities management teams have taken the opportunity through these programmes to ensure BREEAM accreditation is awarded. Local libraries are warm, welcoming, inclusive spaces which support the Green Library Collective above. If people haven't visited their local libraries in a while, now might be the time to have a look.

    I don't recognise the comment by LisaH

    Scotland also boasts a network of mobile libraries which do reach communities which are geographically remote and perhaps more could be done here to ensure communities are engaged.

  • Posted by AngelaMLAnderson September 01, 2022 at 15:29

    Good idea. Many rural comminuties are commited to Green measures. There are mobile libraries but also community halls etc where something could be placed, perhaps including tool sharing etc

  • Posted by WeeMeg September 02, 2022 at 11:29

    Great idea in theory but difficult to deliver in rural areas where libraries have been closed. If green libraries are to offer lend and mend/repair and share services, and promote a circular economy, that will be difficult from a mobile library. I also agree with the comment that some of the buildings that libraries are in are old and not energy efficient. Councils will need funding to upgrade these. Halls could be used but again, many will require energy efficiency measures.

  • Posted by SLIC September 02, 2022 at 12:11

    Just adding to the conversation - mobile libraries can provide a range of things - they dont only offer books. we have a tremendous offer from Scotland's mobile libraries with trained staff, guests, themed activity - lend and mend will fit in perfectly. Scotland has not closed libraries in rural areas - or anywhere else in recent years. Councils have been investing in the library building infrastructure on a consistent basis over the last 20 years. Scotland has a fresh library building infrastructure which is renewed on a rolling basis from Council Capital programmes. Despite recent financial challenges for Council revenue budgets, there has been little impact on the capital programmes which are planned years in advance.

  • Posted by lm0001 September 13, 2022 at 10:01

    Lend and mend sounds like a great idea and libraries would be a great place to build it around.

    This would need to be paired with "right to repair" legislation for it to be most effective.
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